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- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup rolled oats - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) To make this Apple Cinnamon Streusel Snack Cake, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Apples bring sweetness and moisture to the cake. Choose medium apples that are firm. I like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their nice balance of tart and sweet. You will need sugar for sweetness. Granulated sugar works best for the cake base. You’ll also need unsalted butter for richness. Softening it helps it mix well. Eggs add structure and moisture. The vanilla extract gives a warm, sweet flavor. For the dry mix, you’ll use all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Baking powder and soda help the cake rise. The ground cinnamon adds that comforting spice aroma. Buttermilk adds tanginess and moistness. It helps balance the sweetness. We also make a streusel topping. You’ll need brown sugar for rich flavor, rolled oats for texture, and optional nuts for crunch. Gather all these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a delightful snack cake! 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan. This step helps prevent the cake from sticking. 2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy: In a large bowl, add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process adds air and makes the cake soft. 1. Add eggs and vanilla to the mixture: Next, crack in 2 large eggs. Mix well after adding each egg. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. 2. Combine dry ingredients separately and mix with wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix. Combine until just mixed, but don’t overdo it. 1. Fold in diced apples: Take 2 medium apples, peel, and dice them. Gently fold these into the batter. This step adds moisture and a lovely apple flavor. 2. Prepare streusel topping and sprinkle over the batter: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, and 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (optional). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan. This adds a crunchy topping. 1. Bake and check for doneness: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. 2. Cooling process before serving: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set well and makes it easier to slice. How to choose the right apples Choose firm apples for your cake. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well. They add a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. Make sure the apples are fresh and free of bruises for the best taste. Ensuring proper mixing techniques Mixing is key to a great cake. Start by creaming the butter and sugar until it's light. This adds air and makes the cake fluffy. When adding eggs, mix one at a time. This ensures they blend well. Finally, be gentle when folding in the apples. You want them evenly spread without breaking them apart. Presentation ideas for the snack cake Serve your cake warm for the best flavor. Dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a nice touch. You can also cut it into squares and place it on a colorful plate. Add a sprig of mint for a fresh look. Pairing options Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm cake. Whipped cream is another tasty option. It adds creaminess and sweetness to each bite. Overmixing the batter Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined. This keeps the cake light and airy. Not measuring ingredients accurately Measuring is crucial in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. Too much flour or sugar can change the cake’s texture. Always level off dry ingredients for the best results. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in your Apple Cinnamon Streusel Snack Cake easily. Adding spices can enhance the taste. Try a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. Both spices add warmth and depth. You can also use nuts for crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans bring flavor and texture. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combo! If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free flour. It works well in this cake. You can also replace eggs and butter for a vegan version. Use flax eggs or applesauce for the eggs. Coconut oil or vegan butter can replace regular butter. This way, everyone can enjoy the cake without worry. The streusel topping is delicious, but there are other ideas too. You can add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. It adds sweetness and looks nice. For a fancy touch, try icing made from cream cheese. It pairs well with the apple flavor. You can also sprinkle some additional nuts or oats on top for a unique twist. To keep your Apple Cinnamon Streusel Snack Cake fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. You can also wrap the cake in plastic wrap for extra protection. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, the fridge is a good option. Just remember, the cake can last up to a week in the fridge. Freezing the snack cake is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, slice the cake into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the snack cake for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you need it faster, leave it out at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat slices in the microwave for a warm treat. Enjoy your delicious cake anytime! To check if your cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is done. If it has wet batter, bake it for a few more minutes. This simple test gives you a clear answer. Remember, overbaking can make your cake dry. Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake it and let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. This helps keep the cake moist and fresh. If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry! You can use regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice. Use one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in a measuring cup. Fill the cup with milk until you reach the one-half cup mark. Let it sit for five minutes before using. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream mixed with water. Each option works well in baking. This blog post offered a complete guide on making Apple Cinnamon Streusel Snack Cake. You learned the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure your success. Remember to pick the best apples and avoid overmixing. Feel free to explore variations and adaptations to suit your taste. Store any leftovers properly, and don’t hesitate to prep ahead. Baking should be fun and rewarding, so enjoy your delicious creation!

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Snack Cake

Indulge in the deliciousness of Apple Cinnamon Streusel Snack Cake that's perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines diced apples, warm cinnamon, and a crunchy streusel topping to create a delightful dessert. Bake it in just an hour for a sweet treat that will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and start baking this irresistible cake today!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium apples, peeled and diced

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.

    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

      Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

        In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

            Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed in the batter.

              Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

                In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, rolled oats, and chopped nuts (if using) to create the streusel topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the cake batter.

                  Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 9

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!